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Redfield's Obituary

Redfield S. Mitchell, 90 Town of Sun Prairie

Redfield Sherman "Red" Mitchell passed away Saturday, March 31, 2012, at Agrace HospiceCare after a short illness. Red was born July 3, 1921, at Madison General Hospital, Madison, Wisconsin, the second of three children born to George T. and Sibylle G. (Burgess) Mitchell. He graduated from East High School, Madison, in 1939. He attended UW-Madison and graduated from the Agriculture Short Course in 1941. He worked on the family farm with his parents until his marriage in November 1950 to Myrle Lorraine Zimpel, at which time Red took over the family farm. In addition to farming, he worked in road construction, and was the treasurer and patrolman for the Town of Sun Prairie for 20 years. In his younger years, he enjoyed hunting and bowling. In the 1970's, he became interested in black powder guns; he built several muzzle-loading rifles and was active in the Taychopera Muzzle Loaders . He enjoyed traveling to rendezvous, both in and out of state. He also had a great passion for gas engines and antique gas tractors. Red was a member of the Sun Prairie Masonic Lodge, #143. He was a 32nd Degree Mason and a member of the Scottish Rites.

He is survived by his children, Susan (Edward) Atkinson, Michael, Karen (Ron) Nowakowski, Mary, James, Jeanne (Ken) Arndt and Laurie (Rich) Vanderbloemen; six grandchildren, Paige and Cierra Arndt, Marie (Scott) True, Richard, Taylor and Megan Vanderbloemen; and three great-grandchildren, Ellyson True and McKensey and Jude Vanderbloemen. He is also survived by his brother James (Rita) Mitchell and cousins Jean (Betty) White, Patricia Davis, and Jack Beckman and their families and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Myrle, his parents and a sister Helen.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Nina Kinnunen of Dean Medical-Sun Prairie and the staff of Agrace HospiceCare for the care and compassion with which they afforded Red.

Red will be remembered for his love of telling stories and the happiness he found in having family and friends around. His presence will be sorely missed, but his legacy shall continue in the lessons he taught his children which they will continue to share.

We can all find comfort in knowing that God led his journey. "Now that his room is ready; he and Myrle are together."

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to Agrace HospiceCare, 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Madison WI 53711.

A funeral service celebrating his life will be held on Thursday, April 5, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at the Cress Funeral Home, Sun Prairie, with Rev. Kurt Liebenow officiating. Visitation will be held at the funeral home in Sun Prairie on Wednesday, April 4, 2012 from 4-7:00 p.m. with a Masonic Service at 7:00 p.m. and on Thursday, April 5, 2012 from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will be held in Pierceville Cemetery.